Device for washing and wringing sponge mops



QP 1- s. P. VAUGHN 2,255,091.

DEVICE FOR WASHING AND WRINGING SPONGE MOPS Filed July 12, 1940 INVENTOR Patented Sept. 9, 1941 DEVICE FOR WASHING AND WRINGING SPONGE MOPS Sidney P. Vaughn, Ackerman, Miss. Application m 12, 1940, Serial No. 345,070

(Granted under the act of March 3. 1883. as amended April 30, 1928; 370 0. G. 157) 3 Claims.

This invention relates to washing and wringing devices for sponge mops and the like.

The principal object of this invention is to provide in a mop pail in one unit two foraminous screens in stepped relation to each other on which a sponge mop may be washed and squeezed to remove the water. One of the foraminous screens is positioned in the pail below the normal water level for use in washing the sponge mop by compressing the sponge several times against the screen. The other foraminous screen is positioned in the pail above the normal water level for use in squeezing the excess water out of the sponge by pressing the sponge against the screen. Throughout this application the term washing screen will be used to designate the former, and the term wringing screen will be used to designate the latter.

A further object of this invention is to provide a simple wire grid type of washing screen and wringing screen combined in one unit for use in mop pails. Heretofore such screens have been made generally cut of stamped sheet metal having openings formed therein. While such forms may operate fairly well, the flat unstamped portion of the plate has a tendency to trap the dirt and prevent its escape from the sponge, whereas the wire grid type of wringing screen as described in this application permits the dirt to escape readily from the sponge when the sponge in a wet state is pressed against the grid screen.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent, to those skilled in the art, from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view through the mop pail and the washing and wringing screens, and Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawing, Figs. 1 and 2 i1- lustrate a rectangular pail I embodying therein below the normal water level a wire grid type of washing screen A, and above the normal water level a wire grid type of wringing screen B. The washing screen and the wringing screen are arranged in stepped relation to each other on a frame common to both to form a single unit which may be removed readily from the pail.

The frame of the washing and wringing screens comprises two or more who bars 3 spaced the width of the pail and bent to form a stepped support for the washing screen A below the normal water level and for the wringing screen B above the normal water level. The washing and wringing screens are made out of spaced wire rods 4 arranged transversely with relation to the readily from the sponge.

frame bars 3 and the pail. The ends. of the spaced rods 4 are securely attached by their ends to the frame bars 3 either by welding or otherwise. The frame bars 3 are bent to support the washing screen A slightly above the bottom of th pail but below the normal water level, and to supportthe wringing screen B above the normal water level in stepped relation to the washing screen. The upper ends of the frame bars are bent to form hooks 5 which support the upper ends of the frame bars on the bead 2 of the pail.

The wringing screen end of the pail is the end which is normally toward the operator of a mop. The downward inclination of the wringing screen B is desirable so that the operator of a mop will be required to hold the mop handle near an upright position in order to press the mop against the wringing screen and toobtaln the proper wringing action as indicated by the mop C. The direction of the forces as indicated by the arrow are such that the mop pail will be held tightly against the floor and not be pushed forward.

In practice I have found the wire grid type of washing and wringingscreen to be superior to any other form, and that the dirt is removed In washing operations the mop is pressed against the washing screen and joggled up and down several times which causes the sponge to absorb and expel the water. When the water is expelled from the sponge it carries the dirt with it. In wringing operations the mop is pressed tightly against the wringing screen to expel the water from the sponge.

In this invention I have combined the washing screen and the wringing screen into a single unit which may be inserted readily in a pail and removed therefrom as desired. While I have shown a wire grid type of washing and wringing screen in stepped relation to each other, it will be understood that where conditions require such, the screens may be made out of perforated metal plate. It will be understood also that any other form of pail may be used and that the washing and wringing grid may be arranged to fit same.

From the foregoing description and the accompanying drawing it will be apparent that the combination of the washing and wringing screen is of simple and inexpensive construction, yet highly eflicient for use in washing and wringing sponge mops.

In accordance with the patent statutes I have described what I consider to be the preferred embodiments of the invention. but inasmuch as various changes may be made inthe structural details without departing from the spirit of the invention, it is intended that such changes be included within the scope of the appended claims.

The invention described herein may be manuiactured and/or used by or for the Government 01' the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

What I claim is:

1. A device for washing and wringing sponge mops, comprising two ioraminous screens arranged in stepped relation to each other on a irame common to both and adapted to be supported by and within a pail, the stepped relation being such that the washing screen is supported at or near the bottom of the pail below the normal water line for use in washing the mop. and such that the wringing screen is supported at or near the top of the pail above the normal water line ior use in squeezing the water out or the mop. I

2. A device for washing and wringing mops comprising in combination, a pail, a wire grid washing screen and a wire grid wringing screen arranged in stepped relation to each other and adapted to be supported by and within the pail, the stepped relation being such that the washing screen is supported at or near the bottom of the pail below the normal water line for use in washing mops, and such that the wringing screen is supported at or near the top oi the pail for use in squeezing the water out of mops.

3. A device for washing and wringing mops, comprising a wire grid washing screen and a wire grid wringing screen arranged in stepped relation to each other on a frame common to both and adapted to be supported by and within a pail, the stepped relation being such that the washing screen is supported at or near the bottom of the pail for use in washing mops, and such that the wringing screen is supported at or near the top of the pail for use in wringing mops.

SIDNEY- P. VAUGHN.

Granted September 9, 1941 SIDNEY P. VAUGHN The above entitled patent was extended October 2, 1951, under the provisions of the Act of June 30, 1950, for 7 years and 173 days from the expiration of the original term thereof.

Patent No. 2,255,091

Commissioner of Patents. 

